You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

BELIZE / GUATEMALA

Hike and Snorkel to Find the Mystery of the Maya in Guatemala and Belize

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights).
Transfer to hotel.

Day Two: Saturday, February 09 - Scenic Boat Ride on the New River/Exploring the L...

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the New River dock and embark on a scenic boat ride (approx. 31 miles) upstream to the Mayan ruins at Lamanai. While navigating the calm waters of the New River, try to find and identify some of the many bird species found in the area, including: Black-collared Hawks, Northern Jacanas, Mangrove Swallows, Olive-throated Parakeets, American Pygmy Kingfishers, and Purple Gallinules, to name just a few. If lucky, we may even catch a glimpse of the rarely seen Jabiru Stork! Get close-up views of mangroves and virgin forests flanking the narrow waterway and try to spot the colorful orchids that grow along the river banks.

Disembark at Lamanai for a walking exploration of the more than 50 impressive structures found at the archaeological reserve.

This large Mayan ceremonial center is set in a tropical forest on the banks of the New River Lagoon in the north central region of Belize. Unlike most Mayan sites, the ruins found at Lamanai were built in layers; each generation adding on to the existing structures. Some of the site's highlights include the Jaguar Temple, the High Temple, and the Mask Temple. A beautiful panoramic view of the lagoon and surrounding jungle can be seen from the top of the High Temple. It is believed that the ancient center was occupied during more than 3,200 years, and as recently as in the 18th century.

In addition to protecting many fascinating Maya buildings, the reserve at Lamanai provides shelter to a large number of animals. Visitors are sometimes caught off-guard as the rainforest comes alive with the loud, guttural calls of howler monkeys perched high in the forest. Other animals occasionally spotted at the site include agoutis, jaguarundis, woodpeckers, toucans, aracari, trogons, and armadillos.

Boat ride and bus transfer back to Belize City. Return to the hotel in time for dinner.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983. The organization was born from an effort to provide a safe haven for a number of wild animals that, ironically, had been used in the making of documentaries about tropical forests. The zoo and its education center encompass 29 acres of tropical savanna and house more than 125 animals native to Belize.

Begin transfer to the Peten region in Guatemala. Brief stop at the Belize/Guatemala border for an examination of group documentation.

Lunch: En route lunch at El Portal.

Afternoon: Continue transfer to Flores, in the Peten region of Guatemala.

Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Take an exploratory walk around the town, enjoy the hotel amenities, or just get some rest before resuming program activities.

Note: Tikal activities include climbing steep stone and wooden staircases, and walking on irregular forest trails. Participants must walk for approximately 20 mins on an unpaved path to get from the park entrance/visitor center to the first ruins. Suggested items to bring: binoculars, camera, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, lightweight rain poncho, good walking shoes, and water bottle. Average daytime temps from 88-90F and average humidity from 75-82%. Higher precipitation from Jun-Nov.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: After breakfast transfer to the spectacular ruins at Tikal.

This site, with its massive temples rising above the rainforest canopy, conjures images of an Indiana Jones adventure. Once swallowed by the rainforest, Tikal is one of the largest excavated Mayan sites, with more than 4,000 structures. It also features some of the tallest temples in the Mayan world. An impressive network of causeways, aqueducts and canals, which not only served as an irrigation system but also provided drinking water for the city, are displays of some masterful engineering. Underground tunnels and new structures are still being discovered and excavated.

The Ixpanpajul Natural Park covers an area of nine square kilometers/450 hectares and has more than 200 species of trees, 150 plus species of birds and about 40 species of mammals. A walking trail with 6 hanging bridges provide multiple angles from which to observe and admire the park's abundant flora and fauna. Learn about the layers of a tropical forest while walking on trails and hanging brigdes which eventually lead to the summit of Miramás Hill and its rewarding views of Lake Peten Itza.

Description: Pook’s Hill Lodge is a charming tropical lodge located at the base of the Maya Mountains of the Cayo District. One of the lodge’s most notable features is its private reserve, comprised of 300 acres of semi-deciduous broadleaf tropical rainforest. Guests are able to enjoy close-up views of the protected primary forest's rich plant and animal life through a network of trails. Remnants of a Maya residential plaza, built around 830-950 AD, can be seen scattered among the property buildings.

Contact info: 5.5 miles south of Teakettle Villageoff the main road to Actun Tunichil MucnalCayo District, Belizephone: +501-8322017web: pookshilllodge.com/

Room amenities: Accommodations are provided in attractive thatched-roof cabanas. Each is fully screened with a private bathroom, hot water shower, and ceiling fan.

Facility amenities: Restaurant serving Belizean and international cuisine, open air bar, private reserve with trails, naturalist guides available for rainforest hikes, and access to the Roaring River for swimming and inner tubing activities.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Five: Tuesday, February 12 - Yaxha National Park and Ruins.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: Field trip to Yaxha National Park, located approximately 45 miles from Flores.

The Yaxha ruins are part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve along with the sites of Nakum and El Naranjo. Findings indicate that the city was occupied throughout the pre-classic and post-classic periods and that it was allied to Tikal. Yaxha has more than 500 buildings, including a twin pyramid complex not seen anywhere else save in Tikal.

Lunch: At local restaurant.

Afternoon: Begin transfer to the Cayo District in Belize. Stop at the Guatemala/Belize border for inspection of travel documentation.

Late afternoon arrival at the lodge. Check-into rooms and freshen-up before dinner.

Description: Pook’s Hill Lodge is a charming tropical lodge located at the base of the Maya Mountains of the Cayo District. One of the lodge’s most notable features is its private reserve, comprised of 300 acres of semi-deciduous broadleaf tropical rainforest. Guests are able to enjoy close-up views of the protected primary forest's rich plant and animal life through a network of trails. Remnants of a Maya residential plaza, built around 830-950 AD, can be seen scattered among the property buildings.

Contact info: 5.5 miles south of Teakettle Villageoff the main road to Actun Tunichil MucnalCayo District, Belizephone: +501-8322017web: pookshilllodge.com/

Room amenities: Accommodations are provided in attractive thatched-roof cabanas. Each is fully screened with a private bathroom, hot water shower, and ceiling fan.

Facility amenities: Restaurant serving Belizean and international cuisine, open air bar, private reserve with trails, naturalist guides available for rainforest hikes, and access to the Roaring River for swimming and inner tubing activities.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: Wear a bathing suit under comfortable, older clothing that can get wet and dirty. Also bring a pair of old socks. Arrive at cave entrance after a 45 min. jungle hike, then swim a short distance through the mouth of the cave to enter the site. Cave floor is mostly wet and rocky. Some wading in ankle-deep to waist-deep water is required at times. In fragile sections, participants will need to remove shoes and walk in their socks so as not to damage the cave floor and/or artifacts.

Breakfast: At the lodge restaurant.

Morning: After breakfast, take a 30 minute drive to the starting point for our exploration of Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.

This rewarding activity is not for those who mind getting wet and dirty. The adventure begins with a forest hike (approximately 45 minutes) to the mouth of the cave. Once at the cave entrance, participants will swim through the opening and start a 3 1/2 hours journey in the cave. The terrain is rocky and wet and some areas have ankle-deep to waist-deep water. The cave holds many Maya ceremonial artifacts and burial chambers.

Lunch: Boxed lunch on site.

Afternoon: Return to the lodge. Time at leisure to rest and freshen-up before dinner.

Description: Jaguar Reef Lodge sits on a small peninsula just south of Hopkins Village, on Belize’s central coast. Coconut palm trees and golden sand surround the thatched-roofed casitas and lead the way to the sparkling, aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. Miles of secluded beach stretch in either direction, inviting guests to take a walk or swim in the gently lapping sea. Those wishing to give themselves a break from physical activities can relax in one of the many hammocks and lounge chairs spread along the beach among shady palms.

Note: Black Hole activities require a high level of physical fitness. This adventure includes uphill hikes on dirt trails (approx. 2 hours), repelling 300 ft into a sink hole, rock climbing, and ladder climbing. Weather is usually hot/sunny and humid and trails can become muddy when there is rain. Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes with good rubber tread, lightweight pants and t-shirt that are comfortable and allow freedom of movement. Also bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

Breakfast: At the lodge restaurant.

Morning: Transfer to Cave Branch (1 hour drive) for a full day of hiking and rappelling activities at Black Hole.

Upon arrival at Cave Branch, take part in an instructional session before driving 15 minutes to the base camp and starting our 1 1/2 hours uphill hike. The hike comes to an end at the hilltop--at the edge of an enormous sink hole. After donning harnesses and receiving the necessary instructions, begin rappelling into the 300 ft sink hole. Once at the forested bottom, reward your efforts with a well-deserved break for lunch!

NOTE: Participants who do not wish to take part in the Black Hole hike/rapelling will have the option to participate in a moderately strenuous river cave expedition.

The cave activity begins with a 15 minute drive to a drop off point at the river's edge. Sit in a rubber inner tube and float through the entrance to the cave. Continue floating through the dark chambers, enjoying views of the sparkling mineral formations overhead with the aid of headlamps. Once the water becomes too shallow, put aside the inner tubes and set off on foot. The cave floor is rocky and wet and at times it will be necessary to climb over rocky formations.

Lunch: Boxed lunch in the sink hole or inside the cave system (lunch site dependent on the choice of activity).

Afternoon: After lunch, explore the sink hole floor as you make your way back to the camp site. The return hike takes approximately 45 minutes and will require some rock climbing and ladder climbing (not to mention, sweat and determination!).

NOTE: Those taking part in the optional cave activity will continue to investigate the underground rooms used by the Maya for ceremonial rituals. Hear about the history of the caves and learn about the Maya underworld while examining the ceramics, handmade implements, ceremonial artifacts and sculpted walls dating as far back as 400 A.D.

At the end of your Black Hole adventure or river cave exploration, you will have the opportunity to freshen up before we begin our transfer (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes drive) to the Caribbean coast.

Description: Jaguar Reef Lodge sits on a small peninsula just south of Hopkins Village, on Belize’s central coast. Coconut palm trees and golden sand surround the thatched-roofed casitas and lead the way to the sparkling, aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. Miles of secluded beach stretch in either direction, inviting guests to take a walk or swim in the gently lapping sea. Those wishing to give themselves a break from physical activities can relax in one of the many hammocks and lounge chairs spread along the beach among shady palms.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eight: Friday, February 15 - South Water Caye Marine Reserve - UNESCO World He...

South Water Caye Marine Reserve - UNESCO World Heritage Site/Free Time to Explore Local Sites.

Note: Snorkeling equipment will be provided on site.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Board a boat from the lodge's docks and enjoy a 45 minutes ride out to South Water Caye Marine Reserve, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System--a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. The morning will be spent snorkelling around reef patches.

As you snorkel within this beautiful and unique underwater environment and delight in its many colorful inhabitants, please consider the following tips on reef ettiquette provided by the marine reserve.

-Be careful when entering and exiting the water since your fins may stir up sand or scrape corals.
-Avoid standing on corals or walking on the reef.
-Take nothing living or dead out of the water except recent garbage.
-Refuse purchasing souvenirs made from coral, turtles or other marine life.
-Don't touch, chase, or feed any marine life.
-Do not throw garbage in the water.

Return to the lodge.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to enjoy the lodge's facilities or explore local sites.

The coastal fishing village of Hopkins is located about 1 mile from the lodge. It is mostly populated by Garifunas and has a few interesting shops and restaurants where one can experience the local culture.

Description: Jaguar Reef Lodge sits on a small peninsula just south of Hopkins Village, on Belize’s central coast. Coconut palm trees and golden sand surround the thatched-roofed casitas and lead the way to the sparkling, aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. Miles of secluded beach stretch in either direction, inviting guests to take a walk or swim in the gently lapping sea. Those wishing to give themselves a break from physical activities can relax in one of the many hammocks and lounge chairs spread along the beach among shady palms.

Day Ten: Sunday, February 17 - Flight from Dangriga to Belize City/Depart to the...

Note: On flight from Dangriga to Belize City, each participant will be allowed to bring up to 2 checked bags weighing no more than 35 lbs each and measuring no more than 62 linear inches (with maximum 30 inches in width and 15 inches in height). Participants will also be able to bring 1 carry-on item (purse or backpack) weighing no more than 15 lb.

Breakfast: At the lodge restaurant.

Morning: After an early breakfast, drive to the Dangriga airstrip (45 mins) and catch a 30 minute flight to Belize City's international airport.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!